Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Wolves now have nous to rebound
Friday 16th September 2011, 9:10AM BST.
Wolves blogger Tim Spiers believes the team will show how much mettle they now have to bounce back from the Tottenham defeat against Queens Park Rangers.
It’s only once in a blue moon that Premier League supporters have consecutive Saturday home matches at 3pm to indulge ourselves in.
But, for Wolves fans, this phenomenon comes at a good time as we look to put last week’s Tottenham defeat behind us, with what on paper is a very winnable home game against Queens Park Rangers.
The Spurs match was a rarity for me, a defeat I walked away from not feeling like I had just been told Adrian Chiles and Lee Hughes were coming round for dinner.
After all, we competed evenly with one of the best teams in Europe for the best part of an hour.
The first-half performance was right up there with the best we have produced in the Premier League and epitomised what we’re all about.
Whole-hearted commitment was rife in the form of several brilliant sliding tackles and we dealt very ably with what Spurs had to throw at us.
We were calm and composed at the back – led by the imperious Roger Johnson and the quite brilliant Richard Stearman – and adeptly closed down the unorthodox angles Spurs were trying to play through us with.
Going forward, we moved the ball well and hassled and harried Spurs’ midfield to create some decent chances.
On another day, we could have been 2-0 up by half time, but Karl Henry and Johnson spurned their chances and later on Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe netted theirs, such is life.
So we dust ourselves down and move on to the next challenge. It’s important for the players not to let defeats like that prey on their mind, especially if it was a case of coming up against a superior side like Spurs.
We’ve had a bit of practice at this in the past two years and, to me, the squad appears far better equipped mentally to cope with the highs and lows of a Premier League season.
The influence of Johnson may have helped but, in general, the players are battle-hardened now and there seems to be less of a Corporal Jones ‘don’t panic’ vibe when they are under the cosh.
This augers well for the coming months and there is already talk from Johnson about going on another unbeaten run.
Positive thoughts compared to previous seasons, when it’s been about taking one game at a time and picking up points wherever we could scrounge them from.
Looking ahead to Queens Park Rangers, manager Mick McCarthy could have the luxury of naming an unchanged side – the fitness of Steven Fletcher permitting.
Personally, I’m desperate for Fletcher to be fit so he can continue forging a partnership with Kevin Doyle, which has shown promise in recent weeks.
When Fletcher signed last summer, it was supposed to herald the next great Wolves front pairing, but his form and fitness dictated otherwise.
We’ve had more than our fair share of scintillating partnerships over the years, going back to the likes of Dennis Wescott and Jessie Pye in the 1940s or Roy Swinbourne and Dennis Wilshaw in the 1950s, even if formations back then didn’t cater for a rigid two up top like they do today.
Of course, John Richards and Derek Dougan formed perhaps our most prestigious and prolific partnership of all, when they were up there with the very best Europe had to offer in the 1970s.
Steve Bull and Andy Mutch took on their mantle more than a decade later, albeit in the lower leagues, forging an almost telepathic understanding that yielded literally hundreds of goals – an astonishing record.
Since then, though, we haven’t been overly spoilt in this respect, with players often not hanging round long enough to be classed in the same bracket as the greats listed above.
A few showed promise, such as Bull with Robbie Keane but, sadly, they were at opposite ends of the age spectrum.
Dean Sturridge and Nathan Blake enjoyed a prolific season, as did Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Chris Iwelumo, while for some reason the potentially-devastating Carl Cort and Tomasz Frankowski partnership, first used in a 1-1 home draw with Crewe in 2006, was never given the chance to blossom
Doyle and Fletcher are a perfect fit in some respects – the Irishman is one of the best around at holding the ball up, linking play and working the channels.
Whereas Fletcher has a bit of a maverick about him, is quick, skilful, good in the air and has a great eye for goal.
But, too often, they’ve been trying to do the same things, dropping deep and playing with their backs to goal, resulting in many attacks breaking down, when the ball is sprayed wide and there’s no one in the middle for the wingers to aim for.
Obviously, it’s a work in progress and they haven’t had enough minutes together yet, but their roles need to be clearly defined if it’s to be a lasting, fruitful partnership, which I’m confident it can be.
On their day, Doyle and Fletcher are top-class players, both internationals who have the ability to create and score sack-loads of goals for us this season.
It might take Fletcher being a bit more selfish, playing off the last man and resisting the urge to come and find the ball, if they are to be a big success together.
If Fletcher isn’t fit tomorrow, our options are limited with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on the treatment table.
Stephen Ward has been mentioned as a replacement for Fletcher, but he’s been doing so well at left back that I would definitely leave him there.
Sam Vokes is a possibility but I would elect to push one of the wingers forward – possibly Adam Hammill – to support Doyle in the way that Jonathan Walters has partnered Kenwyne Jones for Stoke.
Bring Matt Jarvis back in place of Kightly and give Jamie O’Hara more of a license to push forward and you have got yourself a pretty decent side.
Our opponents were tipped for the drop by many, but a sudden input of cash has yielded a fair few signings who could make them pretty competitive this season.
They looked quite lively against Newcastle on Monday, particularly Shaun Wright-Phillips, and we shouldn’t be underestimating them.
With Neil Warnock, Joey Barton, Kieron Dyer and Jay Bothroyd they have got the potential to be a club with fewer friends than Timmy Mallett at a Mensa meeting.
But, on home turf and after a good start to the season, we should be looking for three points and I’m confident we can get them. Enjoy the game.
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Focus should be on 3 points. I’ll take a 1-0 RIGHT NOW. No Flecth and Ebanks on the treatment table i hope our midfield can garb a goal or two.
UTW
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Sound reasoning about Ward, would be a shame to move him forward as he appears really settled. Sorry about Kites but reckon he needs to go out on loan as he is nowhere near ready. Doesn’t matter how good they are in training, it’s on a Saturday that matters. Anyway hope we get three points tomorrow.
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Sorry, don’t agree at all. Fletcher and Doyle maybe skilled players but they are hopeless as a “front two”. The tactic of sending them wide for them to hold the ball up, to then pass to no-one running forward simply baffles, it’s terrible to watch. What we do need is a target man (Fletcher) to play in front of Doyle, not along side him. Let the wing men be wide, not your attack, and for goodness sake, get O’Hara and Henry to attack the box.You all saw what happened on the solitary occasion Henry forgot himself and ran forward last week, albeit for a wasted chance. Our midfield are a massive problem, and I expect QPR to carve us open tomorrow and when we go one down, let’s just see if we do have the “nous” to fight back.Somehow, I doubt it
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This should be seen as a difficult game and we should not take any chances. If Henry resumes his ‘love in’ with barton then we might find ourselves with ten men and in trouble.
They missed a lot of chances on Monday so by the law of averages a goal is due. I always thought that Warnock would be a great manager for Wolves and I fully expect his team to stay in the top league because of him (and his funds).
Their defence seemed poor but in attack Boothroyd has something to prove and I expect him to score or win a penalty or something.
We need a minimum of two goals. Who will stand up to the plate get them. (maybe a youngster)
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I totally agree that Ward should remain at left back where his form this season has been exemplary. We need to keep the back four together so that they can continue to develop their understading.
Should Fletcher fail a fitness test tomorrow then I hope that Vokes is not selected to play alongside Doyle. He seems to me to be too slow. By all means put him on the bench as back up as we have few alternatives.
With Jarvis now fully recovered he should resume his place on the left. If Doyle is to play up front on his own, then there is the option as stated in the article to bring in Hammill. Alternatively Foley could play in a right sided midfield position.
For all sorts of reasons I think it’s going to be a lively match, but we should win.
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Hopefully Fletch will make it, but if not I would definately not push Ward upfront – as well as he did at the end of last season!! He has been BY FAR our best player so far this season, he is developing into a decent LB after a decent run for Wolves and his country. As much as dont want to do this, but we may have to appreciate work Crappotoni has done with him at Ireland as well as MMs belief and work to.
So to Saturday, if Fletch doesnt make it why not go back to the formula that worked so well before Doyle got injured last season, maybe bring in Milijas to hold with Henry and push O’Hara up off Doyle.
Oh and definately leave Kites on the Bench for Jarvis. Ive heard people saying Kites needs time, I still believe Kites MUST go out on loan to A CCC club ASAP, he needs to gain confidence and get game time. He clearly isnt at the level to get that at PL at the moment and we have plenty of cover on the flanks with Hunt, Jarvo, Hammill, Edwards and Addy.
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I see jiwal has crawled out from under his doom and gloom rock, go away and stay away or clear off to the poorthorns and watch the steptoes then you might have something to moan about. As for the match tomorrow I would play Jarvis up front with Doyle, his pace will cause qpr’s defencr no end of problems.
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Agree completely about Ward – we need to keep him at left back. I think moving him up front could disturb a back 4 which so far this season has looked a lot more solid. I think a 4-5-1 with an attacking midfielder supporting Doyle (Hammill or Kightly) would be the better option. As much as I had hopes for Vokes being a big player for us, I just think he’s not ready at this stage for a 1st team start
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o hara to play off Doyle.
Thats when he is most effective and more likely to grab a goal
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7…why bring WBA into it? They had the foresight to get ample cover for injuries to forwards, and they won away last week in case you missed it.My whole point is we have made one signing different to the team that finsished 3 minutes away from relegation.Our midfield is the worst in the league, and a team with any “nous” would have beaten a poor Spurs team last week
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jiwal crawl back into the gutter or back to the unmentionables,how was Henry’s chance wasted? the goalie brought off a great save, shows you don’t go to matches just read the papers or watch MOTD, leave the supporting to real fans.
Has for qpr, no match in this league is easy, but if we can’t beat the likes of them then we might has well pack it in.
We are Wolves………….Onwards and Upwards.
p.s: How about pushing Milijas up front with Doyler or have Doyler feeding off him…just a thought.
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I am loving, absoloutley loving, every single – “must keep Ward at left back” post.
Keep em coming kids.
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Great article Tim I think ur spot on. No.10 u r joking surely?
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I’d play 4 2 3 1 – Hennessey, Stears, Berra, Johnson, Ward; Henry, Milijas; Hunt, Jarvis, O’Hara; Doyle
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If we go 4-5-1 we have Guedioura back fit and Dave Edwards to play in the centre with Henry and O’hara, even Milijas but his game is similar to O’hara, Hunt and Jarvis wide if Doyle is to play up front by himself
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I believe we can stay 442 tomorrow and play hunt and doyle together… the partnership which served reading well in their 1st PL season. A midfield 4 of jarvis henry ohara and hammill would be good with two very attacking wingers, keeping the back 4 and keeper the same and we have a team capable of winning easy.
And could someone please tell me why we call baggies steptoes? Cuz i’ve read a few people say it and i never understood
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11…well it was wasted , because he didn’t take it…not rocket science there. As for not going to matches…I was at Blackburn, Fulham and Spurs…in the new stand , and offered 2 tickets ( 1 half price for QPR game)for being one of the “guinea pigs) ..not as though it’s any business of yours. You smack of misplaced optimsism, and I will be back here after we lose tomorrow to remind you of it!!
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It was no disgrace to lose to Spurs last week I agree with MM’s comments after the game.However Saturday will give us a far better picture of whether we really have progressed as a team since last season.
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I agree with “JIWAL”.
The fan’s who cant understand the point “JIWAL” is making reference “DOYLE-FLETCHER” need to watch the games they have played in together this season!
ONE goal between them is hardly a success story?!Seem’s it is for some happy clapping fans.How about watching every game played so far this season and counting how many shot’s and headers these two have had at goal!!!
Doyle as been average and that is being kind!!
“WATCH THE GAME RATHER THAN TALK RUBBISH ABOUT NEGATIVE THIS AND THAT”!One “GOAL” between them does not make them lethal!!”NUMPTIES”!!Oh and for those who want to check “DOYLE’s” statistics of shots etc and goals scored “CHECK IT OUT”"”"”"!
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JIWAL
Grab a few tickets for the Poorthorns- you’d fit in well.
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Wanderer in Eire agreeing with Jiwal.
Says it all really
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McCarthy is going for a 0-0, nothing more to be said.
Ward might ”appear” to be playing him up front but Negative Mick will use him more as a defender during the match.
MIGHT QPR !! frightens yer don’t it??
Another 2 getable points gone.
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19 – I think most fans can appreciate the effort and contribution both Doyle & Fletcher make to the team as a whole, not just in front on goal. Doyle’s work rate takes a lot of pressure off of our defence & midfield at times, there’s a bigger picture to be looked at.
And at the risk of being labelled pedantic, I’m sure I won’t be the only one to point out that Doyle & Fletcher have scored a goal each. 1+1 = 2. Like you say “CHECK IT OUT”"”"”"”"”!
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@ 17 – Jiwal – and what if we don’t lose ….?
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Terrible news here. Did I miss something? I thought JIWAL had emigrated years ago? Was Australia too sunny for you? Very confused. Still at least we all know that idiot McCarthy must keep Stephen Ward at LB and not play him out of position up front – next bandwagon please!
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21 Fozzy. Love it, a partnership made in heaven.
Jiwal and W in E.
You can make it a threesome with English Exile
Is there a full moon tonight ?
These people can’t wait for Wolves to lose so they can come back on here telling us how smart they are and how dumb we are.
The way he played against Newcastle I think Ward (or George) will have a busy afternoon against Wright-Phillips.
It beats me how some opinions say that Spurs were a poor side. Wolves played well and looked very good at times. Bale and Lennon were well shackled, but, Modric and Parker were the difference.
I don’t see QPR performing as well as that.
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23..I hope we don’t ! but I think if I can see our weaknesses, then Warnock certainly will too!
24..JIWAL did emigrate, and JIWAL did re-patriate..not as though that’s any of your business…12 years was enough for me thanks
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Jiwal,
keep reeling them in son.
You know in advance who is going to respond, with their Gold coloured glasses comments,who can’t see beyond there own stupidity. haha
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How long will it be before the DOGBOG’s are above us in the league??
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Got to be on our mettle tommorow, Doyle on his own up front, O’hara in behind. Would like to see Milijas given a go instead of Henry who will only try to prove a “hard mans ” point to Barton. Hammil in for Kightly. Cant make the next 3 home games due to work commitments so i hope the fans get behind the team and make it an intimidating place to play !!
Come on me Babbies
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Kieghtly plays his first 90 minutes for two years and some Numpties are prepared to write him off and send him out on loan!
Give the bloke a chance and back him while he gets used to the Premiership pace, the last thing he needs is the groans of the Molineux Moaners.
Just look at how your unwavering support of Stephen Ward has paid off!!
Jiwal – 12 years was not long enough, you have come back as an even bigger Numptie with a tint of Baggie Bias.
UTW
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no14 Luke,Playing 4 2 3 1.Sounds more like a Manfred Mann number.
I see Mick is calling him Superman,and Wardy had better remember Superman always scores.
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McCarthy was right to play Kightly, the only way he will get back to his best is to play him in the team, the mistake he made was the substitutions were not made at the right time, it was there to see that we were in trouble, Hunt was clearly in trouble well before half time.
If Kightly can keep injury free he will be flying down the wing and scoring goals again,
McCarthy has to make early subs or the same will happen to us again as last season when he left them far too late.
Henry has to play better or be removed from the team, again another reason were poor in the second half, he looked totaly out of it.
Let’s look forward to a good result tomorrow.
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JIWAL – if 12 years was long enough for you imagine how the population of Oz felt! Unlike some on here I have no doubt you are a Wolves ‘fan’ since I was reading your ramblings 20 or more years ago in ALOB. If you want to have a small wager on where a ‘poor Spurs team’ will finish then I’m your man. Enjoy the good times – remember when the idea of scraping into the play-offs or a good cup draw against Spurs would have seemed like heaven?
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jiwal I used to read your comments in ALOB and I thought you were a moaning so and so then I see nothing has changed since even though we have managed to do something our smaller neigbours have not and thats stay up for a 3rd year in a row, you always said we would never stay up, you slated Wolves something rotten now clear off to the poorthorns and watch the steptoes.
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tomorrow should show us how far we have come……
Still think we missed a great opportunity over the transfer period.
Missing real pace up front,
Would like to see Kites up front with Doyler and bring Jarvis or Hammill in on the wing
UTW
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JIRWAL – I think its unfair for Wolves fans to accuse you of being baggie I know you have been posting B4 the advent of tin ter net in The Load of Bull fanzine for years so to all Wolves moaners of JW this bloke is for real A Wolves Fan. That said I think your opinions on here while sometimes well founded in football terms (players/positions/mentality etc) are ALWAYS on the negative side, I can not recall a positive post from you in the Mag or on here????? Do/did you find it funny to provoke reaction to your comments, is that your intention? Be honest and reply, because reading your WORDS I would never ever see you down the ground ever again BUT you still go? PS I probably fall into the HC section of Wolves Fans so you may try to attack me for that reason but I can also see when we have lost the plot. Supporter from the mid 70s through the 80s 4000 attendances etc, the Best years of my life lower leagues Bull an all onto the Sir JH years and full of dissapointment and here we are today STH and still here and would go back again? Who cares its Wolves ITS My Team
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JIWAL – Has been a long serving Whinge A Lot well B4 the days of the Tinternet in The Load of Bull fanzine, so yes he is a Wolves fan but just one that sees life from the glass half empty perspective. JIWAL any comments please am I wrong?
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3 – I actually think the team we’ve got now is better than what we’ve had before for a very long time and as usual, people think it’s good to find the bad parts. Just enjoy what you’re seeing, it’s good times at the moment
COME ON WOLVES!!!!!!!!
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Sir Billy Quiet – Spot on. People forget that this is probably the first time Kightly has play in the premier league being fit and ready to go. When we first got promoted, Jarvis didnt have any where near the amount of impact he has for us with the prem experience under his belt, in fact many fans on this very site claimed he wasnt good enough for the prem and his delivery was awful, yet he got that prem experience and now hes arguably one of our best players. But these numpties expect Kightly to be able to perform brilliantly having very little prem experience and having just come back from a long term injury. I think a little perspective needs to be taken into consideration.
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